State for Northern Ireland. As Welsh Secretary, Buckland played a role in the proceedings following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, attending the historic Accession Council and the proclamation of accession of King Charles III at Cardiff Castle. At the 2022 Conservative Party Conference, Buckland stated his view that benefits should be uprated in line with inflation amid a public debate on the matter, along with fellow cabinet ministers Penny Mordaunt and Chloe Smith. Return to the backbenches On 25 October 2022, Buckland stood down from the Government upon Rishi Sunak's appointment as Prime Minister. He subsequently returned to the backbenches. Awards In 2011, Buckland was awarded the "Politician of the Year Award" by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists for his campaigning work on speech, language and communication issues. In January 2013, Buckland was awarded the "Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award" under the Social Driving category for his extensive work on advocating awareness at Parliament for children with special educational needs, including those with autism both locally and nationally. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in the 2022 Political Honours and was invested by His Majesty King Charles III in November 2022. Personal life Buckland is married to Sian, whom he met at university. They had twins in 2002, and live in Wroughton in his Wiltshire constituency. Buckland's interests include music, wine, political history and watching rugby and cricket. Buckland has a cat, named "Mrs Landingham" after a character on The West Wing. References External links Robert Buckland's weblog Robert Buckland MP, Grassroot Diplomat 1968 births Living people People educated at St Michael's School, Llanelli Alumni of Hatfield College, Durham Conservative Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies UK MPs 2010–2015 UK MPs 2015–2017 Solicitors General for England and Wales People from Llanelli Councillors in Wales Conservative Party (UK) councillors British King's Counsel UK MPs 2017–2019 Members of the Inner Temple Secretaries of State for Wales Lord chancellors of Great Britain Secretaries of State for Justice (UK) Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom Presidents of the Durham Union Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire Members of Dyfed County Council UK MPs 2019–present Free Enterprise Group Politicians awarded knighthoods